Content Menu
● Factors that affect CNC machining costs
● Comparison of metal raw material cost differences
● Surface processing technology
In CNC machining, the cost of different projects can vary significantly. Several factors influence the overall cost of CNC machining projects. Since cost is a crucial consideration in most project plans, it is important to understand the various factors associated with CNC machining and how they impact pricing.
This article will help you understand the main factors that affect CNC machining costs so that your project can minimize costs.
Factors that affect CNC machining costs
The key factors influencing the cost of CNC machined parts are equipment, materials, design, production volume, and finishing.
Equipment and machinery
Equipment costs are incurred before the machining process begins. These costs are part of the production preparation and ultimately impact the machining plan's overall cost. The higher the expenses associated with acquiring, operating, and maintaining a machine, the more expensive the parts produced by that machine will be.
How to choose different CNC machines
CNC production encompasses a wide range of machining operations, including drilling, boring, cutting, and milling. Most of these operations can be performed using either a CNC lathe or a prototype CNC milling machine. It's also important to consider the efficiency of the lathe itself. CNC lathes have undergone significant evolution over the years. The early models of CNC lathes and computer numerical control lathes are vastly different from the advanced machines we have today. Modern CNC machines are faster and more efficient, resulting in lower production costs for parts over time.
How to choose different CNC machining tools
The cost of the cutting tool significantly impacts the overall equipment cost. Factors such as the material, coating, and geometry of the tool contribute to this expense. For instance, carbide tools are harder and more resistant to high temperatures and high speeds, but they can be up to twice as expensive as steel tools.
Why do CNC milling machines cost more?
Milling machines typically cost more than lathes due to their more complex moving parts. They are also more challenging to assemble, operate, and maintain, but they can perform a wider range of complex operations. As a result, CNC (computer numerical control) milling machines are generally more expensive to operate than other types of machine tools.
There are various types of milling machines, which differ in their complexity and capabilities. The cost of a milling machine often increases with the number of axes it has. Most modern CNC machines feature either three or five axes. While five-axis machines can produce intricate geometries more quickly and accurately—resulting in reduced machining time—they tend to be significantly more expensive than three-axis machines.
Production preparation costs
Production preparation costs encompass all expenses associated with preparing for actual machining. CNC machined parts begin as 3D models created by design experts using professional CAD (computer-aided design) software. The resources needed to design these 3D models, which are crucial for production, contribute significantly to the total production preparation costs. Additionally, production preparation costs include expenses for design optimization and all related activities necessary for preparing the model for production, utilizing professional CAM (computer-aided machining) software.
Materials
The impact of material prices on CNC machining costs
The materials used to manufacture a part are among the most significant cost factors. There are various costs associated with machining these materials, with the foremost being the cost of the material itself. Pricing for materials can vary based on factors such as availability, material properties, and overall production expenses.
Generally, metal materials tend to be more expensive than other types of materials. The chart below illustrates the relative prices of some common engineering metals. It's important to note that metal prices fluctuate, and the exact cost may vary by region. The following table serves as a reference for relative prices.
Comparison of metal raw material cost differences
Key factor: material machinability
In addition to the cost of materials, machinability is a crucial factor that influences overall expenses. Materials with low machinability require more time and effort to process, and in CNC machining, time directly translates to money. Therefore, the cost of a machined part is directly related to the time it takes to produce it. Furthermore, materials that are challenging to work with tend to consume more resources, including cutting fluids, electricity, and cutting tools.
Design and Geometry
Improving CAD Design for CNC Machining
The design and geometry of a part greatly influence CNC machining costs.
As a general guideline, the complexity of a part directly influences its manufacturing cost. More complex parts often require advanced machinery, longer machining times, multiple manufacturing and assembly processes, additional resources, and more rigorous quality inspections—all of which contribute to higher costs.
In CNC machining factory, certain design features can significantly increase expenses. These features include sharp internal corners, thin walls, deep cavities, non-standard hole sizes, and engraving. It is advisable to avoid these high-cost features if they are not necessary.
Additionally, specific design requirements, such as desired surface finish or tolerance levels, may necessitate multiple machining steps and extensive quality checks. Larger parts inherently cost more due to the increased amount of raw material required, as well as the additional time and resources needed for manufacturing.
Production
The larger the batch, the lower the cost
As the quantity of parts produced increases, the unit cost of manufacturing each identical part decreases. This decrease in cost is primarily due to the reduction of repeated production setup costs. These setup costs, which include CAD design, CAM preparation, and machine installation, are incurred only once for a specific set of parts.
Using data from our instant quote engine, you can compare the relationship between the quantity of parts and the unit cost in the table provided below. For instance, the part is made from aluminum EN AW-6061 / 3.3211 / Al-Mg1SiCu.
Surface processing technology
Parts produced through CNC machining can often be used directly. However, certain applications may require additional post-processing steps, such as high-temperature treatment, surface finishing, and spraying. These processes are necessary to enhance the performance, characteristics, and appearance of the parts. It's important to note that all these surface processing procedures will increase the overall manufacturing cost of the parts.
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Post time: Jan-21-2025